Senior jobs to be axed in CWAC restructure

SENIOR management jobs will be axed if council cutbacks are passed this summer.

A consultation period is starting on a ‘significant restructure’ of Cheshire West and Chester Council (CWAC), which includes a reorganisation of directorates and cutting heads of service from 24 to 14.

CWAC’s staffing committee unanimously agreed to the consulation after considering a report from the council’s chief executive, Steve Robinson, who said the plans would save £1million each year.

Clr Mike Jones, CWAC’s leader, said: “While we have already made considerable headway in re-structuring our tiers of top management since 2009, there is still room for further efficiencies whilst continuing to protect our front line services.

“Savings from this restructuring will go towards the £1.5million shortfall we face next year and the £4.29million funding gap which exists for 2016-17.”

He added: ‘If all goes according to plan, the complete re-structuring of this authority will have enabled an annual saving of £180million in costs to the taxpayer in its first eight years of its life.”

Reorganisation of directorates will involve creating two new strategic posts to enhance the council’s tactical leadership and a third to lead on major capital projects, including Barons Quay.

Staff are being consulted on the proposed new structures and their views will be reported back to the staffing committee.

A final decision will be made on the plans in July.

The new directorate structure is expected to be finalised by November and appointments to the new heads of service posts phased over the next year to reflect the outcome of 2014 to 2015 ‘Make or Buy’ reviews.